Regulations & Guidance Documents

Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003

The current structure of the Fire Service in Ireland is based upon the legislation of the Fire Services Act of 1981 & 2003. While the "duty of care" in respect to Fire Safety in Buildings rests with the Owner/Occupier under the Fire Service Act, 1981, the Fire Authorities have various powers of inspection and enforcement for Fire Prevention/safety measures in existing Buildings.

Fire Services Act, 1981 – S.I. No. 30

Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003 – S.I. No. 15
includes Part 3 (Amendment to Fire Services Act 1981)

Building Control Act 1990 & 2007

The design and construction of buildings is regulated under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014, in order to ensure the safety of people within the built environment.

A Fire Safety Certificate is required in relation to the following works:

• Works in connection with the design and construction of a new building
• Works in connection with the material alteration of:
  • A day centre
  • A building containing a flat
  • A hotel, hostel or guest building
  • An institutional building
  • A place of assembly
  • A shopping centre
• Works in connection with the material alteration of a shop, office or industrial building where additional floor area is being provided within the existing building or where the building is being sub divided into a number of units for separate occupancy.
• Works in connection with the extension of a building by more than 25 square metres
• A building as regards which a material change of use takes place.

Certain Exemptions apply.

Building Control Act, 1990

Building Control Act, 2007

Fire Safety in Places of Assembly (Ease of Escape) Regulations, 1985 – S.I. No. 249

Planning and Development Act, 2000 – S.I. No. 30

Planning and Development (Licensing of Outdoor Events) Regulations, 2001 – S.I. No. 154

The Technical Documents, give guidance on how to achieve compliance with the Building regulations i.e. compliance with the recommendations of the Technical Guidance Document  will indicate prima Facia evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations.

Generally Technical Guidance Document B is used to give guidance on the design and subsequent report that forms part of the Fire Safety certificate application. Therefore, if a building is to be built in accordance with the issued Fire Safety Certificate it should be compliant the Building Regulations. Technical Guidance Documents B, J, K & M are most applicable in relation to Fire and Fire Safety Certificate Applications.

The adoption of an approach different to the TGD's or the use of Fire Safety Engineering  is not prohibited, provided that the approach meets the requirements of the Building Regulations. The Building Control Authority may require such evidence, in the case of an approach different to ensure that the building does comply with the regulations.

Part A - Structure: (2005)
Part B - Fire Safety: (2006)
Part C - Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture (2004)
Part D - Materials and Workmanship (2000): (Reprint 2005)
Part E - Sound:  (Reprint 2005)
Part F - Ventilation (2009)
Part G - Hygiene (1997): (Reprint 2005)
Part H - Drainage and Waste  Water Disposal: (Reprint 2005)
Part J - Heat Producing Appliances: (Reprint 2005)
Part K - Stairways Ladders Ramps and Guards: (Reprint May 05)
Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Energy: (May 2006 Edition)
Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Energy Dwellings (2002): (Reprint 2005)
Part M - Access for People with Disabilities (2000): (Reprint May 05)
Amendments and Corrections 1997 - December 2008

Code of Practice for the Management of Fire Safety in Places of Assembly
Code of Practice for Fire Safety of Furnishings and Fittings in Places of Assembly
Code of Practice for Fire Safety and Indoor Concerts 1998
Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Nursing Homes and Similar Type Premises (1996)
Guide to Fire Safety in Flats, Bedsitters and Apartments (1994)
Guide To Fire in Guest Accommodation
Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Hotels, Guesthouses and Similar Premises
Fire Safety in Gaeltacht Households Accommodating Foghlaimeoirí Gaeilge
Fire Safety in Preschools (1999)
Fire Safety in Hostels (1998)